Q. Why should I choose SongInvention?
Your ears are your guide. Songwriting services vary in price and recording quality. Listen to our Portfolio. If this is the professional sound you envision for your project, you are in the right place.

Q. Are your songs unique?
Always. We don't rely on a questionnaire, we talk with you. When you commission a song for a special person, you can tell stories, send pictures or letters, or any communication you are comfortable with. Because your story is unique, your song will sound like no other.

Q. Can you produce music for our family video, corporate ad, or web video?
Absolutely.

Video is crucial for your company's web strategy. Imagine if your product demos and YouTube ads had a unified musical theme - a heroic company theme song!

Q. Why custom music? Can't I download music for my video?
While some websites offer generic background music (without violating copyright law), you'll be amazed by the difference custom music can make. With music composed specifically for your video, the results speak for themselves: The loud parts never drown out someone talking, the mood matches your vision, and the big musical moments go exactly where you want.

(One note: Time estimates for video scoring start from a finished, picture-locked video. Subsequent changes to the video may add to your estimate.)

If you would like music composed before the video is made, so you can "cut to the track," please see pricing for a custom song.

Q. Can I copy and use my song however I want?
Your Commission Agreement allows you to share your song on social media, make copies for gifts or party favors, play the song at events, and add your song to a slide show or video.

If your song is for commercial use and you need full copyright ownership, we can use a Work-For-Hire agreement. This arrangement is common in advertising and corporate video.

If you're not sure, schedule a consultation and we'll figure it out!

Q. Who sings my song?
We have several singers we work with. If you have a preference, let us know!

If you choose our Full Studio Package, we can even set up a custom recording session - so you can sing your own song, or record a specific singer you know personally.

Q. What is the Virtual Studio package?
The Virtual Studio Package includes backing tracks played by software instruments and synthesizers. Everything except the vocals is generated on a Macintosh computer, while vocals are recorded at SongInvention or one of our partner studios. We have a versatile collection of synthesizers, along with sampled acoustic instruments to make your Virtual Studio package sound "almost real."

Q. What is the Full Studio package?
There's no underestimating the impact of real, professional musicians playing your song.

First you choose your instruments, then we arrange and print music for the players.

Depending on the song, we may record the entire band, or we may record one instrument at a time. Some Full Studio packages also include synthesizers and virtual instruments, while other songs are purely acoustic.

If our studio doesn't have the equipment or space for the instrument(s) you want, we work with partner studios and rental companies to meet your needs.

Pricing depends on several factors, from the complexity of the arrangement to the studio equipment needed. Estimates include everything: arrangement and notation (with any revisions), musician's fees, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.

Q. Can you really write music in any style?
Just about. As a composer and music technology professor, Kristi (owner of SongInvention) has worked with all styles and genres. We can also call on our network of professional musicians and engineers who specialize in particular styles.

Some styles of music (classical, jazz, folk) work best with the Full Studio package, as the acoustic instruments truly define the sound. With this one caveat, SongInvention can produce virtually any kind of music you can think of.

Q. Can you include someone's name in the lyrics?
Sure - it's up to you. You are welcome to feature the name of someone you are honoring. If you prefer a song that's more universal, we can do that too.

Q. How does payment work?
When you decide to commission a song, you'll receive a link to your custom order form by email. The first order form covers an estimated 50% of the commission fee, plus your choice of add-ons. After you review and approve your draft, you'll receive an order form for the remainder, plus any additional add-ons you choose. The order form allows you to pay by credit card or request an invoice to pay with PayPal. (You can also mail a check if you prefer.)

Q. Can I break the commission fee into monthly payments?
Yes! On your order form, choose "Invoice me via PayPal." You can request the PayPal Credit service, which allows approved purchasers to spread a purchase of $99 or more into payments over 6 months. For more information, see: paypal.com

Q. Can you set my poem to music?
We do this a lot. Many poems work well as lyrics. Other poems stand on their own and don't necessarily need music.

If you have pre-existing words, we'll take a look together. Often the text is ready to go as is. Other times, after reading your words and talking about your story, we'll jointly develop an idea for lyrics that capture the heart of your message. Either way, your song will convey exactly the message you want to send.

To use pre-existing text, SongInvention needs permission from the author. If a song includes your words, we can reduce your commission fee in exchange for copyright permission. Please see our Commission Agreement for details.

Q. Can you set letters and emails to music?
Often, yes. Any correspondence you feel comfortable sharing is immensely helpful. A word or phrase from a letter or email may trigger a song idea. Sometimes lyrics include longer quotations.

To use pre-existing text, SongInvention needs permission from the author. If a song includes your words, we can reduce your commission fee in exchange for copyright permission. Please see our Commission Agreement for details.

Q. Can you make a song from sounds I've recorded?
Yes! Kristi (owner of SongInvention) has produced music using all kinds of "found objects": cassette recordings of her grandfather's sermons, office sounds, historical newsreels, construction equipment, water sounds, and even endangered species at the San Antonio Zoo.

If you have family videos or recordings to memorialize in a song, schedule a consultation and we'll take a listen. We have the software and the skills to clean up even the noisiest old tapes.

Q. Will my song be on your website, or can I make it confidential?
Whichever you prefer. We can post your song publicly, or on a non-public page to be shared with your friends only.

Q. Are there restrictions on song content?
Although you may occasionally notice a swear word in our song lyrics, rest assured that your song will avoid any words or topics you are uncomfortable with.

We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, political philosophy, race, age, gender, or sexual orientation. All kinds of stories deserve a musical tribute.

Although this is extremely rare, if for some reason we do have to regretfully decline a commission, the initial consultation is still free.

Q. I'm not sure how many CDs I want. Can I order more CDs later?
Sure - anytime! Just send an email to orders@songinvention.com and you'll get a new customized order form.

Q. Can you make a photo slideshow for my song?
Yes! See our pricing page for this and other add-ons.

Please note photos must be copied directly from a digital camera (not compressed or resized). Scanned photos should be in high-resolution JPEG format.

Q. Can my CD cover include my photos?
With our Full-Color Custom Graphic Design option, a professional graphic designer can incorporate your photos into your CD cover and/or printed lyric art.

Please note photos must be copied directly from a digital camera (not compressed or resized). Scanned photos should be in high-resolution JPEG format.

If you use photos taken by a professional photographer, SongInvention needs permission from the photographer. Please see our Commission Agreement for details.

Q. Do you have any budget-friendly gifts?
Sure do! Check out our online store for CDs of SongInvention songs with printed lyrics, perfect for gifts or party favors.